The present invention is directed to methods for the identification and uses of receptors that interact with anti-inflammatory compounds derived from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The receptors are of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family, and are useful to screen candidate substances for anti-inflammatory activity, especially substances that are analogs of EPA. Such analogs are termed "resolvins"; and are typically di- and tri-hydroxy EPA analogs. One analog herein denoted Resolvin E1 was identified in humans and prepared by total synthesis. In nanomolar range Resolvin E1 reduces dermal inflammation, peritonitis, dendritic cells (DCs) migration and IL-12 production. Also described herein is a receptor denoted Reso ER1 that interacts with Resolvin E1 to attenuate cytokine induced activation of inflammatory pathways mediated by transcription factor (NF)-kB. Treatment of DCs with small-interfering RNA specific for ResoE1 eliminated the ligand's ability to regulate IL-12. Assays of anti-inflammatory activity based on these discoveries are also described.